Physical exercise facilitates motor processes in simple reaction time performance: an electromyographic analysis

Neurosci Lett. 2006 Mar 20;396(1):54-6. doi: 10.1016/j.neulet.2005.11.008. Epub 2006 Jan 10.

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to assess the effects of physical exercise on simple reaction time performance. Participants performed a simple reaction time task twice, one time during physical exercise and another time without exercise. Electromyographic signals were recorded from the thumb of the responding hand to fraction reaction time in pre-motor and motor time. The results showed that exercise shortened motor time but failed to affect pre-motor time. This pattern of findings is consistent with previous studies examining the effects of physical exercise on choice reaction time.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Electromyography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Movement / physiology*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / innervation
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology*
  • Photic Stimulation
  • Physical Fitness / physiology*
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology
  • Reaction Time / physiology*